The oral approach and situational language teaching originated in the 1920s-1930s with British applied linguists like Palmer and Hornbey. They developed a more scientific foundation for an oral approach than previous direct methods. Language teaching begins with spoken language used in the classroom. New vocabulary and simple grammar are introduced situationally and practiced orally before more complex forms. Procedures aim to move from controlled to freer practice and oral to written use of structures. Situational language teaching emphasizes oral practice, grammar, and follows a sequence of presentation, practice, and production. It continues to be widely used where national syllabuses are grammatically based.